The Traditional Finishes That Cabinet Makers Use
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the average kitchen remodel takes about two years to complete. Cabinets account for a major share of the budget, and their dimensions, the wood used to make them, and the applied finish are the three biggest factors to consider when selecting cabinets. While cherry and maple were the most popular woods of 2010, there was no clear trend regarding the finishes placed on them.
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Stain
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For maple wood, homeowners and designers typically choose light to medium stains such as natural, wheat or hazelnut, while cherry is more often treated with medium and dark shades to bring out the depth of its natural red tones.
Paint
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White wins first place for most often used paint color, but other shades were also in fashion during 2010. Family-owned Wellborn Cabinet offers painted finishes in sage green, pimento red, honey butter, and 9 other choices, plus 13 paints with glazes.
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Glazing
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Glazing is a finishing process in which an accent stain is applied and then wiped off, leaving light to dark tones in the corners, grooves and grain of the wood.
Burnishing and Distressing
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Distressing is a technique where small dents, nicks and scratches are deliberately made in the wood to create an aged look, while burnishing darkens the profile edges of cabinets with a similar goal in mind. Both finishes give an authentic, yet attractive, antique appearance to rustic-style cabinetry.
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